Every day, AlloCiné recommends a film to (re)watch on TV. Tonight: Tom Hanks as a grumpy grandpa.
In 2012, Swedish writer Fredrik Backman published Old, grumpy and suicidal: life according to Ove (En man som heter Ove in OV). Huge global success, the novel is ranked on the list of bestsellers of the New York Times for more than ten months.
The story is that of an old grump who no longer has any reason to live since the death of his wife. As he is about to finish, his plans are disturbed by a family, young and full of energy, who settles in the neighboring house. An unlikely friendship is forged between them.
Three years later, the book was brought to the screen by Hannes Holm in Mr. Ove, which had become a real phenomenon in Sweden. It notably picked up two Oscar nominations, including one for Best Foreign Language Film.
Faced with the success of the book in the United States, as well as the Swedish film, producer Fredrik Wikström Nicastro wishes to develop an American adaptation. Having also discovered the original feature film, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson contact him to join the project via their company Playtone. Indeed, for the actor, it is a perfect story to transpose to the United States.
On screen, Tom Hanks also plays the lead role. Although we do not necessarily expect him in this register, the actor delivers a performance that matches his talent.
Released in February 2023 in France, The Worst Neighbor in the World is thus more profound than a simple comedy, highlighting a divided America, haunted by the fear of the other. It is also an opportunity to discover Truman Hanks, the son of Tom Hanks, in the skin of the younger hero.
The worst neighbor in the world by Marc Forster with Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller…
From 10 years old
Tonight on CANAL+ at 9 p.m.